A State Funeral is a public funeral ceremony, observing strict rules of protocol intended to honour individuals of national significance.

As it stands, Kenya does not have a single law that fully codifies the requirements and legal procedures of State funerals.

State Funerals are well-established by tradition and executive practice to give the fallen person a proper send-off.

Kenya has held thirteen State Funerals since 1963 to honor individuals of national significance.

Individuals Accorded State Funerals in Kenya

• Mzee Jomo Kenyatta 

He was the first President of Kenya after independence and died in 1978.

Jomo Kenyatta was the first person to be accorded a State Funeral.

His body lay in the state house for 10 days, and the government declared 30 days of national mourning.

He was buried at Parliament Grounds in Nairobi.

• Michael Kijana Wamalwa

He was the Vice President of Kenya and died in 2003.

Wamalwa was accorded a State funeral at his home in Kitale, Milimani farm.

• Wangari Maathai

She was the Nobel Peace Prize winner, an environmental activist who championed environmental matters.

Maathai died in 2011.

She was accorded a State funeral ceremony that was held at Uhuru Park, and her body was cremated per her wishes.

• Lucy Kibaki

Lucy Kibaki was the fourth first lady of Kenya, who died in 2016.

She was given a state burial ceremony that was conducted in Othaya, Nyeri, her home region.

• Daniel Toroitich Arap Moi

Daniel Arap Moi was the second President of the Republic of Kenya and died in 2020.

He was honored by a full state funeral ceremony and military honors.

His body was laid in state at Parliament and interred at Kabarak, Nakuru.

• Mwai Kibaki

Mwai Kibaki was the third President of Kenya and died in 2022.

He was also given a full state funeral and military honors

His body was laid in state at Parliament and later interred in Othaya.

Also Read: Uhuru Kenyatta Mourns the Passing of Raila Odinga

• Mukami Kimathi

She was the widow of the late Dedan Kimathi (Mau Mau veteran).

She died in 2023, and President William Ruto approved a State Funeral.

• Phoebe Asiyo

Women’s rights activist and former MP who died in 2025.

President Ruto approved a State Funeral to recognize her lifelong public service.

Also Read: Ruto Announces 7-Day Mourning Period, Issues Key Directives After Raila Odinga’s Death

• Wahome Gakuru

Wahome Gakuru was Nyeri’s second Governor.

He was given a state burial after his death in a grisly road accident in Kabati town on his way from Nyeri to Nairobi.

His send-off was held on November 18, 2017.

• John Nyagarama

John Nyagarama was the first Nyamira Governor.

He was accorded a state funeral after his death at Nairobi Hospital on December 18, 2020.

• Kelvin Kiptum

Kelvin Kiptum made history at the 2023 Chicago Marathon, setting a world record time of 2:00:35, becoming the first athlete to run a marathon in under 2 hours and 1 minute on a record-eligible course

He was given a state funeral on February 23, 2024.

The funeral was held in Chepkorio and was attended by many dignitaries, including President Ruto.

• Joseph Nkaissery

Served as Member of Parliament in the National Assembly of Kenya from 2002-2014.

He also served as the Interior Cabinet Secretary in Uhuru’s government.

He died in 2017 after collapsing while at his home and was rushed to hospital where he was pronounced death.

He was accorded state funeral and laid to rest in Kajiado county.

• Francis Ogolla

He was a Kenyan military officer who served from April 2023 to April 2024 as the Chief of Defence Forces of the KDF.

Ogolla died in a helicopter crash on April 18th, 2024 in Sindar.

He was given state funeral that was held in Siaya County.

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State House building for illustration purposes. PHOTO/ST X